Additional reporting by Lily Franklin

Work is underway on a new train-themed play park in a town centre despite residents’ concerns the site could be “trashed within weeks”.

The children’s play area will be created on land near the bandstand in Ashford High Street, in the raised planter area outside B&M and CeX.

It is part of Ashford Borough Council’s ‘town centre reset’, which examines ways to increase visitors' time in the area.

It is expected to open at the end of November, in time for the festive season.

However, questions have been raised over whether the middle of the town centre is the right place for a play park.

Paul Butcher commented on social media: “It's a nice idea, but it needs to be in County Square or Park Mall, where it can be locked up at night. That’s going to get totally trashed within weeks!”

Alison Patridge added: “Regrettably, Ashford town needs far more than this.

“A good idea but totally the wrong place as, sadly, too many undesirables wandering around.

“Ashford needs to get its pride back. A playground will not make families want to stay in a town with very little to offer.”

Hannah Beeston Moore commented: “It's an amazing idea to have something like this, but unfortunately, in the evening, it will get destroyed by people who just don’t care – it needs to be in a shop where it can be locked away.

“The old Debenhams building would be perfect for this. It could have more than just a train then.”

Speaking to KentOnline, Sean Miles argued there are better spots for the park, and there aren’t enough shops which would attract families.

He said: “I don't mind a play park for kids because it's nice for children, but there are much better places they could have put it or spent money on the town and upgraded it.

“There's no shops for families. I know a couple of people will probably use it, but i don't think they will use it day in day out and if you're going to put a play park there for kids you need to put shops to go with it.”

Other residents chose to look on the bright side, praising the new scheme if suitable measures are taken to ensure its longevity.

Speaking to KentOnline while out in Ashford, Matthew Close said he would be bringing his daughter Blue when the park opens.

He went on: “It's a really good idea. We went to Canterbury a few months ago and they've got a massive outdoor play area and I think it's a really good idea.

Sinead Smith also welcomed the idea, but admitted there will always be naysayers.

She said: “I think it's good, it gives the kids something to do while the parents are out doing everything. But you’re going to have the good and the bad from it.

“You're always going to get everyone saying ‘but oh what about teenagers trashing it’, but what about the young kids who are going to enjoy it?

“It doesn't matter where you put it, you're always going to have the good and the bad from it. The town is basically derelict now. There's nothing here, all you've got is hairdressers, nail bars and coffee shops, you haven't got anything.”

Samantha Griffin said: “What a wonderful idea! This will be great for families and in keeping with the town’s history.”

Kerry Welsh added: “Absolutely brilliant idea as long as they have CCTV on the play area to catch idiots who destroy it.

“Like the new play par everyone loves by the Willow Centre. It’s already being destroyed by vandalism; it was only put up in August.”

In response, a spokesman for ABC thanked residents for their comments.

The spokesperson added: “Regarding the location concerns, this area is well covered by CCTV, so we hope everyone respects that this play equipment is for our younger residents to enjoy.

“We do include a maintenance/repairs budget as part of the overall figure.

“The funding comes from a section 106 developer contributions and central Government funding specifically for this purpose (town centre), and more details about this project can be found on our website.”

The play area has been designed to reflect Ashford’s heritage, incorporating elements related to its railway history, such as locomotives, carriages, and station platforms.

The project will cost about £150,000, covering manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

It will be funded by the national UK Shared Prosperity Fund and developer contributions from the Designer Outlet and The Range developments.